Q: My child is 1 year 4 months old. When he was 6 month old, he fell from the bed, which was 2.5 feet in height. He started crying, his voice was not coming out, after some time he turned his eyes up and his legs and hands became tight and looked like he was losing his consciousness. After a minute or so he was normal. I had shown him to the doctor, he told me not to worry. He said that some children hold their breath while crying and these things happen. After that he fell 3-4 times while walking. Every time he holds his breath and the same things happened to him. Then he becomes normal. Will this affect his brain? Is it epilepsy? Please guide me in this regard and what should I do?

A:Your child is suffering from 'breath-holding spells'. This is an age related problem, which will disappear by the time he is 3 years old. It will not cause any damage to the brain or threat to life. This is not epilepsy and no epileptic medication is required. These children should have their haemoglobin tested - iron supplements are very helpful in breath holding spells. During the breath holding episode, keep the child in a horizontal position and don't lift him.